Wheelabrator updates Saugus Board of Health on ash removal

SAUGUS – Wheelabrator Plant Manager Eric Lucier said ash found near the plant entrance in Saugus has been removed.?I can?t speculate on where it came from,” said Lucier in his monthly update to the Saugus Board of Health Monday night. “I can just tell you we removed it properly and it?s been addressed.”Workers found ash in the soil near the plant entrance while digging to fix a broken water line in February.Lucier said 30 samples were taken in the area and noted only the topsoil had “ash material” in it. In all, Lucier said 18 cubic yards of material was being removed from the area.The board also discussed a proposal by Wheelabrator to allow the plant to transfer waste to another location if the burning process is delayed.?We?re looking at ways to eliminate complaints from community members relating to odor,” said Lucier.Lucier said if the plant “can?t process” the amount of trash it?s receiving, it would be transferred offsite so it doesn?t get a chance to accumulate and create a “potential odor situation.”The town?s environmental attorney, George Hailer, said Lucier needs to provide the board with more details, including how much trash could potentially be transferred.The board also had concerns about if it altered the Wheelabrator?s permit, it could become a transfer station.While Lucier said it would be difficult to estimate how much trash would be transferred, he told the board he can “certainly” provide more information.?We?re not looking to bring in any additional waste,” he said. “We just want to move what we can?t process.”Youth and Recreation Director Greg Nickolas spoke about the opiate abuse problem in the area, and said he should hear by the end of the month about a grant to help with the problem.The regional grant with Revere, Winthrop and Chelsea will see Revere act as a “mentor” for the other towns.?I?m excited about it because they?ve made progress where we haven?t and they will be able to help us get over certain obstacles,” said Nickolas.Public Health Director Frank Giacalone updated the board on the state?s medical marijuana law. Giacalone said initial draft regulations were released on March 29, with public hearings to be held on April 19.Giacalone said some issues with the law could affect Saugus, including residents acquiring waivers to grow their own marijuana.?This can lead to odor issues and there have been a few fires,” he said. “It?s a huge electrical draw.”Giacalone said a “projected effective date” for the law will be announced on May 24.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].